It’s National Volunteer Week

Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency.

In National Volunteer Week (16 – 22 May), a new report reveals volunteers are essential to Australia’s crisis resilience and Volunteering Australia is urging Australians to celebrate the power of volunteering to bring people together, build communities and create a better society for everyone.

CEO of Volunteering Australia Mark Pearce says that Volunteering Australia is calling on everyone to ‘wave your appreciation’ for volunteers and thank the millions of volunteers around Australia. ‘With flooding, fires and the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, the past few years have undoubtably been tough for all Australians. Holding us up in these times of crisis are over one million volunteers supporting Australia’s crisis resilience, of which more than 400,000 work directly in emergency response and relief.’

Volunteers essential to Australia’s crisis resilience

The report reveals volunteers are essential to Australia’s crisis resilience. ‘The Volunteering Australia research examines the volume and breadth of volunteers playing crucial roles in communities during natural disasters and COVID-19 outbreaks,’ said Mr Pearce. ‘This resilient and skilled workforce includes over 200,000 volunteers in fire services organisations and around 25,000 volunteers in State and Territory Emergency Service.

‘A further 200,000 volunteers are engaged in over 1,000 registered emergency and relief charities. On top of this, many thousands of often “invisible” volunteers help informally and spontaneously to support communities before and after crises.

Mr Pearce says volunteers have been instrumental throughout the events of the last few years.  ‘This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is “Better Together”. Our communities have taken a big hit in recent times and yet volunteers are always there when we need them.

Bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19

‘Volunteers across the country have stepped up to help their communities through bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic in a most practical demonstration of Australian community spirit. Volunteers contribute significantly across crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in many key roles.

‘The aftermath and the impact of disasters are felt long after an event has taken place. Volunteers provide support to those affected by crises, including in mental health and suicide prevention services, which typically experience a surge in demand during and after disasters,’ says Mr Pearce. ‘Mental health and suicide prevention services are especially critical during major emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Lifeline engages 10,000 volunteers across Australia. In 2018, these volunteers answered 739,481 calls and initiated 5,840 emergency interventions for Australians in need of crisis support.’

The volunteer hours that have supported Lifeline’s crisis helpline increased from just under 20,000 per month in 2019 to around 24,000 per month in 2021, peaking at 25,682 in August 2021. These numbers illustrate the crucial role volunteers have played in supporting the mental health of Australians during the pandemic.

Social connections

‘Volunteering builds social connections and makes communities more resilient so that, when disasters hit, the community copes better. Furthermore, volunteering reduces social isolation, bringing people together and creating support networks where the foundation is based on looking after each other,’ says Mr Pearce.

;Volunteers are essential to Australia’s crisis resilience, including in responding to and supporting recovery following natural disasters and ensuring essential service provision is maintained. As the frequency and scale of emergencies in Australia increases, a nationally co-ordinated approach to volunteer involvement during and after crises is becoming more pressing. This will help to mobilise volunteers rapidly, safely, and effectively.

‘This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the significant contribution made by all of the five million volunteers across Australia. Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better.

‘We encourage everyone to come together and support their communities by offering your time and skills to help others. To get involved and find a volunteer opportunity that suits you, visit GoVolunteer.com.au or contact your local State or Territory volunteering peak body.’